Tobacco Advertising

The subcommittee heard testimony on legislation, HR 5041, that would regulate labelling and advertising for tobacco products. Mr. Levine supported the legislation as a necessary counteraction to tobacco company advertising, and urged the legislation be strengthened to include regulation of the U.S. tobacco companies' promotional efforts abroad. Mr. Neal said the bill HR 5041, which would restrict the use of images in advertising for tobacco products, was harsh and unnecessary, and inhibited the freedom of tobacco companies to advertise to consenting smokers. Mr. Mangano said that despite laws existing in most states regulating the sale of tobacco products to minors, the laws were seldom enforced and tobacco products were easily available minors. Dr. Mason supported the legislation as well, saying that prevention of tobacco addiction in minors was far more cost effective than providing health care for adults suffering from tobacco-related diseases. Further speakers continued the debate close